MOHALI, June 6: Chandigarh University on Friday inaugurated the first edition of its CU Scholars’ Summit 2025 by felicitating 2,516 top performers of the Chandigarh University Common Entrance Test (CUCET 2025), reinforcing its mission to make quality education accessible through robust scholarship initiatives.
Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria, who served as the chief guest, commended the university’s efforts to recognize academic excellence and promote inclusive education.
“If India is to become Viksit Bharat by 2047 as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, then temples of knowledge like Chandigarh University will play a pivotal role,” Kataria said during his keynote address.
The summit, being held from June 6 to 8 at the university campus, saw the distribution of scholarships to meritorious students across 110 academic streams, including 918 female scholars from 20 states.
Kataria lauded the university’s impact on educational equity, noting that CU’s scholarship schemes had helped curb student dropout rates.
“Earlier, many students discontinued their studies after Class 10 or 12 due to financial constraints, but CU’s scholarships have enabled them to continue their academic journeys,” he said.
The Governor also drew parallels between Chandigarh University and India’s ancient centers of learning.
“Takshashila and Nalanda were once global knowledge hubs. Today, CU carries that legacy forward, drawing students from 60 countries and all corners of India without external inducement,” he said, adding that the institution’s rising international reputation is a result of its faculty strength and research emphasis.
Accenting the university’s research output, Kataria shared that CU students and faculty have filed over 4,300 patents.
“Aligned with the Modi government’s initiatives like Start-Up India and Skill India, the university fosters an entrepreneurial spirit, transforming students into job creators,” he added.
Chancellor and Rajya Sabha MP Satnam Singh Sandhu echoed this vision, stating that Chandigarh University prioritizes merit and talent in all domains.
“We believe in investing in students’ dreams—whether in academics, research, culture, or sports. The students have been instrumental in making CU India’s No. 1 private university,” Sandhu said.
Sandhu stressed the university’s role in reversing the trend of brain drain by offering global-quality education within India.
“The educational landscape has changed over the last decade. Today, we see reverse migration. CU has not only given students the tools to succeed but rooted them in Indian culture and national progress.”
Friday’s event also included a vibrant mix of inspiration and celebration, with motivational speakers and alumni sharing career insights.
Notable guests included IAS officer Sonal Goel, influencer Gaurav Taneja (Flying Beast), actress Khushboo Grewal, actor Binnu Dhillon, singer G Khan, and actress Kanika Maan. An Achievers & Alumni Interaction featured 30 achievers and nine alumni across disciplines, offering real-world guidance to aspiring scholars.
Chandigarh University currently awards scholarships worth ₹210 crore annually, as part of its commitment to merit-based education and national development.
